"Taking Its Toll": The Challenges of Working in Fetal Medicine

Abstract

Background: Advances in genetic technologies have resulted in the diagnosis during pregnancy of increasing numbers of fetal abnormalities. A few published personal commentaries have indicated that health professionals' interactions with couples at risk of a fetal abnormality can be emotionally and ethically challenging, highlighting the need for empirical research in this area. This study sought to explore whether working in the fetal medicine setting has an effect on health professionals and to ascertain any supports used to manage these effects. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 medical and allied health professionals working in fetal medicine settings in Melbourne, Austr..